LG Introduces K Series Mid-range Smartphones to Replace the L Series

It is almost two years since LG’s budget smartphone lineup, the L series, got a reboot. The LG L Series III last received an update in February and August 2014 respectively (remember the 3.5-inch L40, 4.5-inch L70, the 4.7-inch L90 and the 3G-only LG L Fino and L Bello?) and the company focused mostly on the premium segment last year with just a few respectable devices in the mid-range category. With the new K series of smartphones introduced at the ongoing International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the company is keen on wooing budget buyers in 2016.

The first devices in the K series are two smartphones: the K7 and the K10. They both feature a new design language that borrows heavily from LG’s signature high-end devices in the G and V series. Dubbed “glossy pebble” the plastic curvy design of the K7 and the K10 is expected to appeal to the young and laying down the groundwork for a possible upgrade to LG’s more upscale offerings by luring them with the same user interface found on the company’s premium devices. Other features like better selfies on the device’s 8-megapixel (varies by market. Some countries will get 5 MP) front-facing shooters and LTE connectivity are expected to also be key selling points.

Here are the key specifications of the two devices:

LG K7

LG K10

Size

LTE: 143.6 x 72.5 x 8.9mm

3G: 143.6 x 72.5 x 9.05mm

146.6 x 74.8 x 8.8mm

Display

5.0-inch FWVGA, 854 x 480 pixels

5.3-inch HD, 1280 x 720 pixels

Processor

LTE: 1.1GHz Quad-Core

3G: 1.3GHz Quad-Core

LTE: 1.2GHz or 1.3GHz Quad-Core / 1.14GHz Octa-Core

3G: 1.3GHz Quad-Core

Memory

RAM: 1.5GB / 1GB

Onboard storage: 16GB / 8GB

RAM: 2GB / 1.5GB / 1GB

Onboard storage: 16GB / 8GB

Camera

Rear: 8 or 5MP, Front: 5MP

LTE: Rear 13MP / Front 8MP or 5MP

3G: Rear 8MP / Front 8MP or 5MP

OS

Android 5.1 (Lollipop)

Same

Battery

2,125mAh

2,300 mAh

Network

3G, LTE

Same

Colour

LTE: Titan

3G: White / Black / Gold

White / Indigo / Gold

Both devices are available in two variants: a 3G-only version and one with LTE connectivity as well. This is where the confusion sets in. Based on which device one goes with, specifications will also vary. Those picking up the LTE variants of the two devices will have far more superior options to choose from than those picking the 3G-only version. Memory options (internal storage and RAM), camera megapixel count and even the processors all vary as can be seen from the table above.

The devices are expected to go on sale later in the year. LG is yet to disclose a specific time frame and neither are the pricing details available at this time.